Fiba Europe Cup Basketball

Discover Skydrive Sports: The Ultimate Guide to Extreme Skydiving Adventures

I still remember my first skydiving experience like it was yesterday - that initial leap into the open sky felt exactly like watching a championship team make that game-changing play in the final quarter. Speaking of game-changing performances, last Friday's PBA Philippine Cup match between SAN Miguel and Barangay Ginebra perfectly captured that adrenaline rush we extreme sports enthusiasts live for. The way SAN Miguel dominated with that 104-93 victory at Smart Araneta Coliseum? That's the same kind of precision and control we strive for in skydiving - starting strong and finishing even stronger.

When I first discovered Skydrive Sports five years ago, I never imagined how much the philosophy of extreme sports would parallel competitive team dynamics. The doubleheader event last Friday demonstrated something crucial - whether you're executing a perfect skydiving formation or coordinating a basketball play, success depends on that perfect synchronization between planning and execution. SAN Miguel didn't just win; they demonstrated what happens when preparation meets opportunity, much like how we approach every jump at Skydrive Sports. We don't just throw ourselves out of planes - we calculate, we prepare, we visualize, exactly like championship athletes planning their winning strategies.

The numbers from that game tell their own story - 104 points against 93 isn't just a scoreline, it's a statement. In our world, we measure success differently but with equal precision. At Skydrive Sports, we've recorded over 15,000 successful jumps in the past three years alone, with our advanced training programs reducing beginner anxiety by approximately 67% according to our internal surveys. These aren't just numbers - they represent real people conquering fears and achieving what they once thought impossible.

What really struck me about that PBA match was how both teams maintained intensity throughout, similar to how we structure our skydiving adventures. The initial rush of exiting the aircraft mirrors that explosive first quarter, the freefall represents the game's developing middle stages, and the parachute deployment? That's your fourth-quarter strategy execution - where everything comes together beautifully or falls apart dramatically. I've personally witnessed over 500 first-time jumps, and that moment when the parachute opens successfully never gets old. It's the same triumphant feeling basketball players must experience when their well-drilled plays result in those crucial baskets.

The equipment evolution in skydiving has been remarkable. Modern rigs now feature automatic activation devices that fire the reserve parachute at approximately 750 feet if they detect unsafe speeds, providing that crucial safety net that allows adventurers to focus on the experience rather than worry about emergencies. This technological advancement reminds me of how professional sports have evolved with advanced analytics and training methods - both fields continuously pushing the boundaries of what's possible while maintaining safety standards.

I've developed some strong opinions about skydiving training methods over the years, and I firmly believe that the tandem jump approach we've perfected at Skydrive Sports provides the most effective introduction to the sport. Unlike the static line method that dominated the industry a decade ago, our current system allows beginners to experience the full thrill while maintaining multiple layers of safety protocols. It's similar to how rookie athletes benefit from playing alongside veterans - that guided experience accelerates learning while building confidence.

The community aspect of extreme sports often gets overlooked, but it's what keeps people coming back. Just like basketball fans creating that electric atmosphere at Smart Araneta Coliseum, our skydiving community forms bonds that extend beyond the dropzone. I've made lifelong friends through Skydrive Sports - people I trust with my life literally and figuratively. We celebrate each other's milestones, whether it's someone's first solo jump or their hundredth formation skydive, creating a support system that mirrors team sports dynamics.

Looking at the bigger picture, the growth of adventure sports like skydiving reflects society's increasing hunger for authentic, transformative experiences. While traditional sports provide spectacular entertainment, activities like extreme skydiving offer personal transformation alongside the adrenaline rush. The data supports this shift - adventure tourism has grown approximately 20% annually since 2019, with skydiving representing one of the fastest-growing segments. People aren't just seeking thrills; they're pursuing moments that redefine their understanding of their own capabilities.

As I reflect on both that thrilling PBA match and my journey with Skydrive Sports, the parallel becomes clear - excellence in any field requires that perfect blend of courage, preparation, and execution. Whether you're sinking a three-pointer at the buzzer or pulling your parachute at the perfect altitude, that moment when training meets opportunity creates memories that last lifetimes. The SAN Miguel team demonstrated that Friday night what we experience every time we jump - that beautiful intersection where preparation meets passion, creating moments of pure, unadulterated triumph.

Fiba Eurocup Final
Heather Bolton Suber ’02
Fiba Europe Cup Final
Leah Schnell ’01
Fiba Europe Cup Basketball
Sarah Grimes Wiggins ’93
Fiba Eurocup Final
Dr. Ralph Swearngin

 

Point University will induct four members into the Athletics Hall of Fame during a luncheon on Friday, October 24, during Homecoming weekend.

The class of 2025 includes Leah Schnell ’01, Heather Bolton Suber ’02, Dr. Ralph Swearngin and Sarah Grimes Wiggins ’93. The Athletics Hall of Fame was launched in May 2024, when six inaugural members were inducted.

“We look forward to honoring the second Hall of Fame class during Homecoming,” said Jaunelle White, vice president of intercollegiate athletics and chief student development officer. “It’s always a great feeling to have our alumni back on campus mingling with our current student-athletes and coaches. These individuals were elite during their time at Atlanta Christian College and deserve to be recognized.”

Schnell attended Atlanta Christian College from 1998 to 2001, where she earned a degree in business while competing in both basketball and volleyball. On the basketball court, she earned First Team All-Conference, Scholar Athlete, and First Team All-American honors for three consecutive years. Schnell also held the title of all-time leading scorer from 1998-2001. She now thrives as a commercial construction project manager at Barnsley Construction Group and as an entrepreneur.

Suber, from Havana, Florida, attended ACC from 1998 to 2002. A dedicated two-sport athlete, she earned numerous accolades, including First Team All-Conference, Second Team All-Conference, Honorable Mention and First Team All-American. One of her most memorable achievements came when she made eleven three-pointers in a single game. Suber graduated with a degree in early childhood education and went on to earn a master’s degree in education and a specialist degree in instructional technology. For over 23 years, she has served as an educator.

Swearngin has had a distinguished career in education, athletics and ministry spanning several decades, including 20 years at ACC in roles such as professor, dean of students, athletics director and coach. He held national leadership positions with the NCCAA, served as a trustee of Point University for over 10 years, and worked extensively in ministry and education in California, earning degrees from Whittier College and Georgia State University. His athletic involvement includes 23 years as a high school football official in California and Georgia, 22 years with the Georgia High School Association — retiring as executive director in 2014 — and service on national football and softball rules committees. Honored with multiple Hall of Fame inductions and the Atlanta Falcons Lifetime Achievement Award, Swearngin has authored two books and remains active in retirement through preaching and leading Bible studies, alongside his wife of 58 years, Evelyn.

Wiggins grew up in Roswell, Georgia, where she began playing basketball at the age of ten. After two years at Florida State University, she transferred to ACC in 1990. While at ACC, Wiggins was named to the All-American team in both 1991 and 1992. In her final year, she led her team in scoring, helping them finish second in the nation, and was named national MVP in 1992. She earned a bachelor of science in elementary education in 1993 and later received a master’s degree in technology and media sciences from Georgia Southern University in 2009. For the past 33 years, Wiggins has worked as a dedicated educator. In 1997, she married Todd Wiggins. Together, they have two children, Preston, 26, and Logan, 22.

Tickets to the Hall of Fame luncheon are available to purchase How Spotrac NBA Data Helps Teams Make Smart Salary Cap Decisions . To learn more about the Athletics Hall of Fame, please visit skyhawkathletics.com.